Masks are required for all visitors 2+. Vaccines recommended. Plan your visit
The Exploratorium is dedicated to expanding access to all by providing free and low-cost admission opportunities throughout the year. Here are a few ways in which we partner with organizations around the Bay Area to provide access to teachers, students, families, and more.
Museums for All: Free Admission for EBT Cardholders and San Francisco Medi-Cal or CalFresh Recipients
The fun and wonder of the Exploratorium are for everyone. To ensure that the Exploratorium is accessible to all, we offer four free admission tickets to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cardholders and San Francisco Medi-Cal or CalFresh recipients. Simply show your EBT card or San Francisco Medi-Cal or CalFresh card when you arrive.
Through the Museums for All program and San Francisco Museums for All, we're partnering with museums across the country and city to make sure everyone can experience the best museums have to offer. To find other participating museums, visit Museums4All.org or sfhsa.org/san-francisco-museums-all.
Discover & Go Library Program
The Exploratorium is part of the Discover & Go program, which provides free admission to more than 35 Bay Area cultural attractions through local libraries. Check with your library to see if it participates in the program. If it does, you can get free passes online from the library's website. Limited quantities of passes are available.
Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities
Visitors with disabilities can visit the museum at a reduced rate. Please email visit@exploratorium.edu or call 415.528.4444, option 5 to request your discounted tickets.
Free Admission for California Public School Teachers
California public school K–12 teachers receive free admission to the Exploratorium. Each year, the first 20,000 teachers to qualify will be given one free, nontransferable, general admission voucher. Please note that these vouchers are not applicable toward admissions associated with Field Trip groups. Bring your teacher ID for free admission.
Teachers are invited to apply for the program by completing this form.
For questions, please email visit@exploratorium.edu.
Free Field Trips for Title I Schools
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this program is temporarily on hold. For more information, please call the Field Trip Office at 415.528.4407.
Title I K–12 schools receive free admission to the Exploratorium, subject to availability, through the school year.
Community Family Pass Program
The Exploratorium provides free admission during normal operating hours to families, youth, and small groups working with select community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Bay Area. A check-out system for these passes is managed by the CBOs and is designed to allow these important organizations and their constituents to develop and continue to forge lasting relationships with the Exploratorium.
After Dark
Enjoy lower admission every Thursday night from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at After Dark (Ages 18+). Lose yourself in hundreds of interactive exhibits or savor adults-only programming, featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind activities.
Membership
Exploratorium members enjoy a year of unlimited free general admission or After Dark admission to six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries and hundreds of exhibits. A membership makes it both easier and more affordable for you and your family to connect with your curiosity (and each other) all year long, and pays for itself in just as few as two visits.
To learn more about any of these programs, please email visit@exploratorium.edu.